bring off
C1/C2Informal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To successfully achieve something difficult or unlikely.
To manage to accomplish a complex task, especially one against the odds; to execute successfully against expectations.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a degree of difficulty or improbability; the accomplishment is often seen as a coup or a skillful maneuver.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical difference; used similarly in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more informal in British English; carries a connotation of cleverness or resourcefulness.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both varieties, perhaps slightly more common in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + bring off + [Direct Object (the achievement)]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bring it off”
- “bring off the impossible”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"Against all odds, the young CEO brought off the merger."
Academic
"The research team brought off a groundbreaking experimental replication."
Everyday
"I can't believe you brought off organising a surprise party for 50 people!"
Technical
"The pilots brought off a perfect emergency landing."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The underdogs brought off a stunning victory at Wembley.
- It took all her diplomacy to bring off the delicate negotiations.
American English
- They finally brought off the complicated fundraising gala.
- He brought off an incredible last-minute shot to win the game.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She brought off a fantastic dinner party.
- The team brought off their first win of the season.
- Somehow, the director brought off a film that is both funny and deeply moving.
- It seemed impossible, but they brought off the product launch perfectly.
- The barrister brought off a brilliant defence, securing a full acquittal.
- Few thought he could bring off such a radical corporate restructuring.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a magician who must BRING a rabbit OFF the stage successfully—it's a tricky trick they manage to pull off.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVEMENT IS RETRIEVAL (bringing something from a state of potential failure to one of success).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "bring up" (воспитывать) or "take off" (взлетать). The Russian equivalent is often "осуществить", "вытянуть" (colloquial), or "провернуть" (slang).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'They brought off to win the match.' Correct: 'They brought off a win in the match.'
- Incorrect: *'He brought off finishing the project.' Correct: 'He brought off the project.'
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST example of 'bringing something off'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a separable phrasal verb. E.g., 'He brought the deal off' or 'He brought off the deal.'
'Bring off' strongly implies overcoming significant obstacles or improbability, and is more informal than the neutral 'achieve'.
Typically no. It inherently describes a successful outcome. For a failure, you would use a negative like 'fail to bring off' or an antonym like 'bungle'.
They are semantically similar (both indicating success), but 'bring off' is transitive (needs an object) and implies active effort, while 'come off' is intransitive (e.g., 'The plan came off') and can imply more happenstance.